Bay Area pitchers can't seem to catch a break.
The Oakland Athletics consulted renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion with regards to their top prospect, A.J. Puk, and Tommy John surgery was the recommended course of action for the left-handed pitcher.
Puk was expected to make his major-league debut at some point this year, but will now be sidelined until at least the start of the 2019 season if he undergoes surgery.
The 22-year-old was the sixth overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft and is currently the No. 32 prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline.
Puk posted a 4.03 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 184 strikeouts across 125 innings split between Single- and Double-A last season.
Earlier this month, Athletics right-hander Jharel Cotton also underwent Tommy John surgery.
